5 Famous Bay Area Restaurants That Have Cameos In Classic Films

Hollywood loves to set its films and TV shows in and around San Francisco, but rarely are these beloved motion pictures and television series actually filmed on location in NorCal. The ones that do make the trip from L.A. to the city by the bay often make the usual stops at iconic San Francisco landmarks and tourist destinations. However, there are a few local Bay Area restaurants that have made cameos in some classic and beloved films that you can still go to and relive some of that movie magic. Whether you’re a film buff, a self-proclaimed “foodie,” or just looking for a cool date spot, these famous restaurants are sure to please everyone!

Jasmine, Ginger, Chili and Eddie walk around Chinatown in SF after their tense meal at The Ramp. (Merrick Morton/Sony Classics)

The RampHow cool would it have been to run into Woody Allen while he was filming his Oscar-winning drama Blue Jasmine in San Francisco a few years ago? According to the Hollywood Reporter, Allen chose to set his 2013 film in San Francisco because it’s his favorite city outside of New York and has been ever since he did stand-up comedy at the Hungry I Club back in the 1960’s (who knew?). Allen was also determined to showcase the “real” San Francisco in his film, not just the tourist traps and iconic landmarks around the city. In the film, Jasmine (a deeply troubled New York socialite played by Cate Blanchett) can be seen sipping a vodka martini while having an uncomfortable first encounter with her sister (played by Sally Hawkins), her sister’s boyfriend, and his friend at the Mission Bay restaurant/dive bar The Ramp, which offers beautiful views of the bay. The Ramp has AMAZING happy hour deals and a setting that was deemed cool enough to be used in a Woody Allen film. What more do you need to know? Check it out and see for yourself what makes this San Francisco dive bar so special!

The one and only Mrs. Doubtfire played to perfection by Robin Williams. (20th Century Fox)

Bridges RestaurantWho could forget that infamous scene in the beloved 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire when Robin Williams’s character has TWO simultaneous dinners at Bridges Restaurant dressed as two entirely different people? While the down-and-out actor Daniel Hilliard has a job interview with his boss on one side of the restaurant, his alter ego Mrs. Doubtfire (an elderly nanny), is trying to get through an uncomfortable birthday dinner without revealing his/her true identity. The backdrop for this classic and climactic dinner scene is Bridges Restaurant in downtown Danville. Rumor has it that this East Bay restaurant was a favorite of actress Sally Fields, who suggested that this infamous scene be filmed on location in the heart of Danville. According to The Pleasanton Weekly, the restaurant was forced to close for an entire month back in 1993 while filming occurred. For Robin Williams fans, this local restaurant is the perfect place to go and reminisce about that classic comedy reveal scene when Mrs. Doubtfire’s deception completely unravels. While you can’t, unfortunately, order “hot jambalaya” like Pierce Brosnan’s character does in the film, the menu at Bridges is critically acclaimed and absolutely delicious. It’s also a beautiful setting to bring a date and impress him or her with your knowledge about film history.

Insider tip: If you walk towards the restrooms in the back hallway, you can see a signed movie poster from the film hanging on the wall!

Tosca CaféThe 1992 erotic thriller, Basic Instinct starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, was filmed all around San Francisco, but one of its most famous locations was the Tosca Café on Columbus Avenue. This restaurant and bar offers fresh Italian food in a chic, old-school setting. In the film, it’s where Michael Douglas’s character goes for a stiff drink after THAT infamous interrogation scene with Sharon Stone’s character. It is also the local gathering place for the SFPD. In real life, however, this 95-year-old café is known to be a celebrity hangout, so play it cool if you see a famous face or two.

Mike Meyers taking a break in between filming So I Married an Axe Murderer in San Francisco. (FOX)

Fog City DinerMany people are unaware that this local hotspot located just off the Embarcadero has been featured in several productions, including the cult classic So I Married an Axe Murderer, starring Mike Meyers. The 1993 comedy was filmed in locations all around San Francisco. Fog City Diner was chosen as the spot for the double date scene, in which Mike Meyers’ and Nancy Travis’ characters double date with Anthony LaPaglia’s and Debi Mazar’s characters. It’s the perfect place for a date, even for axe murders! Just kidding. The Fog City Diner, which is probably the nicest “diner” you’ll ever eat in, is a popular destination for locals and tourists who love the Brunch and the Oyster Club Happy Hour.

Fentons CreameryLast, but certainly not least, we have to give an honorable mention to Fentons Creamery in Oakland. This local ice cream parlor was so beloved by director Pete Docter and the Pixar employees that they decided to give the local hotspot a cameo in their Oscar-winning film Up. The heroes of the film, Carl and Russell, end up in Oakland, CA at the conclusion of the movie and are seen sitting outside of a picturesque Fentons Creamery eating ice cream. Of course, if you have ever been to the REAL Fentons Creamery in Oakland or Vacaville, you know that the ice cream parlor doesn’t really look anything like it does in the animated film. Both Fentons locations are HUGE and are not detached buildings like the creamery is depicted in the film, but their ice cream sundaes are as delicious as they are made to look in the film!

Insider tip: In addition to having delicious ice cream, Fentons also has a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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